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The Comprehensive and Progressive Trans Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) trade agreement came into force on December 30, 2018. As a result, the Canadian government has implemented new work permit categories that are exempt from labour market testing (i.e., LMIA-exempt). This will open up opportunities for Canadian businesses to employ certain foreign nationals in high skilled occupations and get those resources working in Canada faster.

On December 3, 2018, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) proposed a rule that would change the current H-1B cap process. The proposed rule would require petitioners (employers) to electronically register with USCIS during a designated registration period. Of registrations timely received, USCIS would then select a sufficient number to meet H-1B allocations. Only if selected, would a petitioner then file a complete H-1B petition in support of a specific beneficiary.

2018 has been a busy year from a Canadian immigration perspective, and we have seen a number of positive changes, as the Government has continued its focus on facilitating the entry of skilled foreign talent to Canada while safeguarding Canadian borders against security threats. We have highlighted below some key immigration developments for 2018.

On 16 October 2018, Bill 45, Budget Measures Implementation (Speculation and Vacancy Tax) Act, 2018 also received first reading in the British Columbia legislative assembly. If enacted, Bill 45 would impose an annual speculation and vacancy tax (SVT), payable by owners of residential property in designated taxable regions of British Columbia. Learn more in our latest Tax Alert.

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